New Year, New Me... New Church.

Wow, I can't express how much I've missed this blog! Not a single post in 2024, and I truly felt its absence emotionally and mentally. But it's 2025, and I'm back in action! So, Happy New Year!!!

In my last couple of blog posts in 2023, I talked about how I moved from Pennsylvania to North Carolina and dealt with all the changes. Now, 1.5 years into my new life in NC, I've learned more about myself this past year than ever before. Moving to a new city can be super exciting and full of curiosity as you make new friends and discover new experiences and opportunities. When I moved to Charlotte in August 2023, I definitely felt that thrill. I was eager to dive into everything my new home had to offer, and one of my top goals was to find a church community. But, honestly, that goal got pushed aside after a while. Am I proud of that? No. Was it necessary? Honestly... yes (I'll explain why later).

However, this past Sunday, I attended my first service in Charlotte, marking the beginning of my journey in search of a place to call my church home.

First Impressions Matter

Entering a church for the first time can evoke a powerful wave of emotions. A blend of eager anticipation and concern about fitting in is natural. Leading up to Sunday, my mind was filled with questions about what to wear and what the demographic would be like. Coming from a church where "Sunday Best" was the norm, I knew this new, more casual church would be different. With the NFL Playoffs happening, I confidently wore my Philadelphia Eagles sweatshirt and jeans—and I absolutely loved it.

As I entered, I was greeted by a warm atmosphere filled with friendly faces and genuine smiles.

It was clear that many attendees were regulars, exchanging hugs and laughter, a foundation of community that is hard to find elsewhere. In fact, studies show that over 60% of attendees feel a strong sense of belonging in churches that foster genuine relationships.

The Service Experience

My mind was fully engaged the entire time. I was processing numerous things simultaneously. It was a cultural shock as the atmosphere of this church was entirely different from my childhood church. I was somewhat overstimulated, but let me be clear - that's not a bad thing! I genuinely enjoyed the church service; it was simply different. And I liked it! I will definitely return to visit this church again.

Just a heads-up, from 1996 to 2023, I was like a loyal sitcom character, showing up at the same church every Sunday. Sure, I did some church-hopping during that time, but they all seemed to follow the same script.

As the service began, the usher directed me to my seat in the middle. Church was PACKED and the congregation was YOUNG. Two things I am also not used to. But I liked it!

The music was super uplifting and inspiring, almost like a mini concert, but there was a ton of singing. I did enjoy it, but I'm used to having breaks between songs for announcements, prayer, offering, and those awkward quiet moments during transitions. My brain started to feel a bit overwhelmed. One song just flowed into the next, then into another, then into a prayer, then another song, then announcements, offering, prayer, and more songs—finally, the Pastor gave his sermon. It was a bit of a cultural shock, per se, but I still enjoyed it. I'm used to getting a bulletin before the service to know the order of things, but this church didn't have that, so I had no idea what to expect. Now that I know how things go, I can go back feeling more relaxed.

The congregation’s enthusiasm was infectious. Members of all ages and backgrounds gathered to sing and worship. One aspect that stood out to me was the church’s diverse representation. Did you know, according to church statistics, an inclusive church environment can boost attendance by up to 25% as more individuals feel comfortable joining.

These gatherings are vital for many, providing routine for some while serving as a place for others to connect with like-minded individuals. Despite their different backgrounds, every member shared a common goal: spiritual growth and community.

Pastor's Message on Spirit, Soul, and Body

The Pastor delivered a compelling message, asserting, "You are a spirit, you have a soul, you live in a body." This profound statement captures the essence of our being and our divine connection. His words resonated deeply with me. He elaborated by comparing our existence to needing a spacesuit to venture into outer space. Without the body, akin to a spacesuit, survival in space would be impossible. This suit allows us to thrive in a different realm, and within it, we require a communication system—the soul—to connect with our origin, Earth. To put it succinctly, we are astronauts from Heaven. Our bodies serve as our Earth suit. Upon passing, we merely shed this Earth suit (body) and lose the ability to function in this atmosphere. Our souls enable communication from our true home (Heaven) and with those around us in this realm. Our spirit is our true self within the suit. Thus, we are a spirit, we have a soul, and we live in a body.

So here's the deal: If you were scratching your head in confusion, fear not! The Pastor came armed with graphs and a whiteboard, ready to save the day. He delved deeper into how this analogy ties into baptism, and I was all ears! Being a visual learner, his doodles were my lifeline (If you're curious and want the sermon with all its graphy glory, just holler). It was a sermon that deserves a standing ovation—10 out of 10, no doubt!

We Listen and We Don't Judge: My Journey

For most of my life, church was a constant presence. I was raised in the church from birth, and attending service every Sunday became as routine as brushing my teeth. It was ingrained in me as a part of life, but over time, the meaning behind it started to blur. I went to church because it was what I was supposed to do, not necessarily because I felt deeply connected or spiritually fulfilled. As I grew older, I began to realize that I had lost sight of why I was there in the first place. Church had become more about habit than heart, and I found myself going through the motions without truly engaging with my faith or being fed spiritually.

In my first blog post, I opened up about the internal struggle of leaving the church I grew up in—a place that held so many memories and traditions. I wrote about how it’s okay to step away from your childhood church and seek a new spiritual home, one where you feel genuinely fed and nurtured in your walk with God (and boy, oh boy, did that start a riot with some people... I'm still not over that by the way). Starting the journey to find a new church home wasn’t easy, and it took me a long time to take that first step. There’s a sense of guilt and fear that comes with leaving behind what’s familiar, but I’ve come to understand that growth often requires change. Finding a place where I can reconnect with my faith on a deeper level and rediscover the true purpose of church is a journey I’m finally ready to embrace.

Things to Consider in a Church Search

If you are also on this journey, keep these factors in mind when searching for your new church home:

• Doctrine and Beliefs: Make sure the church's teachings resonate with your own beliefs. Tuning into online sermons can give you amazing insights before you even step through the door!

  
  

• Community Involvement: Look for churches buzzing with small groups or community services. These are fantastic opportunities to connect with others in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

  
  

• Atmosphere: Feel the energy of the congregation. Are the members welcoming and engaged? That's the vibe you're looking for!

  
  

• Activities for All Ages: Got kids? Check out if the church offers exciting programs for children or youth groups. Young adults, see if there are dynamic bible studies tailored just for you!

  
  

• Location: Think about how close the church is to your home. A nearby location makes attending regularly a breeze!

  
  

Reflecting on the Day

As I left the church, I felt a surge of optimism and contentment. Taking that first step into an unfamiliar space was a milestone in my adjustment to life in Charlotte. It symbolizes not just my journey in finding a church, but also my quest for community and connection in this new chapter of my life.

This journey of visiting various churches unfolds with promise, bringing fresh faces and stories that will enrich my experience. Each visit holds the potential for new friendships and opportunities for growth. Every Sunday, I will be visiting a new church and I'm hoping that by my birthday in May, I have found my church home.

Embracing New Beginnings

In the larger context of our lives, we all start somewhere. Embracing the adventure of finding a new church home is part of welcoming change and new beginnings. No matter where you are on this journey, remember it contributes to personal growth, connection, and discovering a place where you truly feel at home.

As I continue my exploration, I eagerly anticipate sharing my experiences and discoveries. Perhaps there’s a warm, welcoming community waiting just around the corner, ready to embrace you too!